Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis and Thrush

Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis (part of a group infections called NSGI’s or Non-Specific Genital Infections) and Thrush are all common infections which are caused by an inflammation of the lining of certain parts of your body. Most are caused by a bacterial infection in the area which has irritated the lining. Some like Non-Specific Urethritis can be commonly linked to STIs like Chlamydia. However Balanitis, Proctitis and Cystitis are not always caused by the presence of a Sexually Transmitted infection whilst Thrush is caused by an over-abundance of the Candida Bacteria in your body.

Below you will find a fact checker to help you identify what these STIs look like, how they are transmitted, symptoms of them, treatment and curability.

Overview:

Balanitis

Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans (or head) of the penis caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally occurring in the area.

Causes of Balanitis:

Lack of hygiene and or/cleaning around or beneath the foreskin

Sometimes caused by a tightness in the foreskin making it difficult to clean (this is called Phimosis)

Most commonly occurs in uncircumcised men as the foreskin provides the perfect environment for Balanitis to multiply

Symptoms of Balanitis:

Spots

Rash

Itching

Discharge

Pain during sex

Difficulty Urinating

Treatment for Balanitis:

Anti-fungal creams

Saline baths

Gentle washing with non-irritating soap and warm water

In extreme circumstances a circumcision may be required

Is Balanitis curable:

Balantitis is treatable and curable. Some men will have recurrent Balanitis which will require continual attention.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

No – unless an infection has been detected.

Cystitis

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection.

Causes of Cystitis:

A bacterial infection which develops during a blockage of your urinary system.

Damage around the urethra – chemical irritants such as perfumed soap.

Symptoms of Cystitis :

Pain when urinating

Pressing need to urinate

Strong smelling urine which is dark or cloudy

Feverishness

Pain in abdomen

Treatment for Cystitis:

Painkillers

Hydration

Abstinence until symptoms clear up

Antibiotics

Is Cystitis curable:

Cystitis is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

No – unless an infection has been detected.

Non-Specific Urethritis

Non-Specific Urethritis is an unknown inflammation of the urethra caused by an infection (which is often a Chlamydia infection).

Causes of Non-Specific Urethritis:

Irritation to the Urinary tract

STI infections such as Chlamydia

Symptoms of Non-Specific Urethritis:

White/Cloudy discharge from penis

Burning sensation when urinating

Tip of penis irritated

Need to urinate

Treatment for Non-Specific Urethritis:

Antibiotics

Is Non-Specific Urethritis curable:

Non-Specific Urethritisis curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

Yes – even though an infection may not have been found the likely case is usually a Chlamydia infection.

Proctitis

Proctitis is the inflammation of the top 6 inches of rectal lining called the rectal mucosa which is situated in the rectum.

Causes of Proctitis:

STIs such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes and Warts.

Auto-immune conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Chemical irritation or foreign agents in the rectum

Symptoms of Proctitis:

Pain during a bowl movement

Soreness around the anus and/or in the rectum

Feeling of not emptying bowels after passing a stool

Involuntary spasms and cramping

Treatment for Proctitis:

Antibiotics

Medications to suppress immune system such as steroids for those suffering as a result of Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis

Is Proctitis curable:

Proctitis is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

Yes – if it has been not identified as an auto-immune cause then partners should be treated.

Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. It is more commonly associated with women but men can also have Thrush

Causes of Thrush:

Develops when harmless bacteria which suppresses the infection is destroyed. This can be done by antibiotics or when your immune system is weak.

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Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis (part of a group infections called NSGI’s or Non-Specific Genital Infections) and Thrush are all common infections which are caused by an inflammation of the lining of certain parts of your body.

The Rainbow Project is devoted to promoting the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland, as well as those questioning their orientation or gender, through partnership, advocacy and the development and delivery of appropriate support services.

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